Cyprus veteran reunites with the legendary aircraft he calls his 'sweetheart'
In the Sivrihisar district of Eskişehir, 92-year-old retired Petty Officer and Cyprus veteran Reşat Çolak experienced emotional moments while watching a demonstration of the Douglas DC-3 (C-47) aircraft, which he once served on and which is now part of the M.S.Ö. Air and Space Museum inventory. Describing the plane as his "sweetheart," Çolak said, "I will leave here feeling 10-15 years younger."
İHA
Cyprus veteran and retired Petty Officer Reşat Çolak (92), who arrived at the demonstration area with the support of the 11th Air Transportation Main Base Command, closely examined and toured the legendary Douglas DC-3 aircraft he served on in the skies years ago. Following the flight demonstration with great excitement and taking souvenir photos, Çolak refreshed his memories. Recounting memories from his time in service, Çolak expressed the love he feels for the aircraft and the pride he experiences.
"Every person has a sweetheart, and my sweetheart is this plane"
Conveying the excitement and emotional moments he felt when reuniting with the aircraft, Cyprus veteran Reşat Çolak said, "It is a very loyal aircraft. There are 3 'C's that provided the most support to America in the Second World War; the C-47, the Jamset, and the Jeep. These planes carry 27 fully equipped commandos. It didn't happen in Turkey, but in America, they would also attach a glider to the back. That would take 20 more people, so 47 people would land on the battlefield at once. Flying in such a perfect aircraft was truly a great pleasure for me. I spent my best moments at the Etimesgut 12th Base. Every person has a sweetheart, and my sweetheart is this plane. I took great pleasure in this; I call it my sweetheart now. Old memories have come to life. I am enjoying this; I came here, and when I leave, I will leave 10-15 years younger," he said.
"I have never disconnected from the Air Force"
Thanking the commanders who supported his participation in the event, Çolak stated, "Whatever I say to them is not enough. I love them very much. In my 75-year Air Force life, I have never disconnected from the Air Force; I am constantly going back and forth. All the commanders know me. We came here together, and thank God, they did not leave me alone," he expressed.